February 15, 2011

What I Didn't Learn in Business School: How Strategy Works in the Real World

Meet Justin Campbell. He's a new MBA graduate who's landed a job with a strategy consultancy. His engagement team is on a mission: help HGS Inc., a specialty chemicals firm, define and execute a strategy for exploiting a textile technology the company developed. Justin and his team deploy state-of-the-art strategy tools to analyze the attractiveness of potential markets for the technology. But they soon realize the tools don't help them grapple with the human side of strategy--including political forces swirling within HGS.

Everyone involved in the engagement is biased and insecure, brilliant and hardworking, selfish and lazy, loyal and dedicated. Justin and his cohorts aren't "real"--"What I Didn't Learn in Business School" is a business novel. But they're realistic: they're just like us.

Their story reveals the limitations of strategy tools and demonstrates tactics for navigating the messy, human dynamics that can make or break a company's strategy efforts. This engaging book uses the power of story to present potent lessons for anyone seeking to excel at strategy management. It's a compelling read--whether you're an MBA grad struggling to apply what you learned or in the fray and eager to see what MBAs get wrong when they land in the real world.

Deepak Bhatt is a communication, media engagement and publications professional. Currently he manages communication at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of Asia’s finest B-schools. Before that, he was Vice President (Gujarat Operations), BW Businessworld magazine, one of India’s leading business magazines.

Current Role: At the IIMA, Deepak

1. designs and implements the external and internal communication strategies

2. contributes his expertise to building an agile, pro-active communication team and its systems

3. guides the online engagement and global outreach program

Key Qualities:

Deepak is a go-getter, someone who brings about significant impact in businesses processes and outcomes. He creates sustainable value and efficient systems wherever he works. His ability to think clearly and come up with actionable ideas has hugely contributed to his work practice.

Recognitions and Awards:

a. “Best Employee of the Month” at BW Businessworld Group

b. “Leadership Award in Project Management” by CE Worldwide

Before his current role at the IIMA, Deepak was Vice President (Gujarat Operations), BW Businessworld magazine, one of India’s leading business magazines. He spearheaded the magazine’s growth and reinforced its presence in the region during his tenure.

Earlier, Deepak acted as a Strategic Management Consultant. His transformational insights, research-based strategies and leadership qualities have made him a well-respected professional.